A LEADING British university has been condemned for hosting a conference questioning Israel’s right to exist, an event which critics say will legitimise anti-Semitism.

Pressure is growing on Southampton University to cancel the three-day meeting, planned for next month, in the face of growing anger from academics, politicians and its own fund-raisers.

One prominent lawyer, Mark Lewis, who has represented several celebrity clients, has said he would think twice before hiring someone from the university.

One of its most respected former alumni, leading paediatrician Andrew Sawczenko, has returned his degree in protest and at least one major patron is said to be considering withdrawing funding.

Nearly 4,500 people have signed a petition asking the university to cancel the event.

Mr Lewis, a partner with London law firm Seddons, told The Sunday Telegraph: “This is a one-sided conference, not a debate, and I would want to raise serious questions about what students at this university are being taught and what the university believes.”

Organisers of the conference include Southampton law professor Oren Ben-Dor; George Bisharat, professor at the University of California Hastings College of Law; Juman Asmail, a Southampton law graduate and Palestinian rights activist; and Southampton engineering professor Suleiman Sharkh.

In a statement, they said the event will “engage controversial questions concerning the manner of Israel’s foundation and its nature, including ongoing forced displacements of Palestinians and associated injustices”.

The university said: “We are committed to academic freedom, free speech and opportunities for staff and students to engage with a wide range of opinions.”